Public holidays in Australia (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: The Fair Work Act 2009 names eight national public holidays, and State and Territory laws add others. Employees may be absent on a public holiday and are paid their base rate for ordinary hours. An employer can ask them to work only if the request is reasonable.

RuleWhat applies
National public holidaysPublic holidaysThe Fair Work Act 2009 names these public holidays: 1 January (New Year's Day), 26 January (Australia Day), Good Friday, Easter Monday, 25 April (Anzac Day), the Sovereign's birthday holiday (on the day it is celebrated in each State or Territory or region), 25 December (Christmas Day) and 26 December (Boxing Day). It also counts any other day declared by a State or Territory law as a public holiday generally observed there. [1]
Number of national public holidaysPublic holidaysThe Fair Work Act 2009 names 8 public holidays. States and territories add more. [1]
Working on a public holidayPublic holidaysAn employee is entitled to be absent on a public holiday in the place where they are based. An employer may ask an employee to work only if the request is reasonable, and the employee may refuse if the request is not reasonable or the refusal is reasonable. An employee who is absent is paid the base rate for their ordinary hours that day. [1]
Shop opening on public holidaysPublic holidays⚠ Not yet verified
Holiday falling on a weekendPublic holidaysIf a State or Territory law substitutes another day for a public holiday, the substituted day is the public holiday. A modern award or enterprise agreement can allow the employer and employee to agree a substitute day, and an employer and an award/agreement free employee can also agree one. [1]

Notes

  • States and territories can declare further public holidays and set the date of the Sovereign's birthday holiday, so the full list differs by place.
  • Shop trading hours on public holidays are set by each state and territory, so there is no national rule.

Sources

  1. Federal Register of Legislation (Australian Government): Fair Work Act 2009, compilation 73 (registered 31 July 2026), Division 10 - Public holidays (ss 114-116); read through the Register API (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.